Overview & Reviews

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo traces its roots back several decades to the height of the muscle car era, when Chevy sought to entice customers with a sporty, upscale rear-drive V8 coupe that provided a balance of performance and comfort in a stylish package. From those early years -- which included big-block SS (Super Sport) editions -- the Monte Carlo evolved toward a more luxury-oriented persona, saw significant downsizing (to optimize fuel efficiency) and soldiered on as a popular rear-drive sport coupe until 1988, when it was replaced by the Lumina coupe.

Following a lengthy hiatus, the Chevy Monte Carlo emerged once again in 1995. However, by then it had been softened and saddled with a carryover front-wheel-drive platform and V6 engines that barely hinted at the performance of years gone by. It was, in essence, a Lumina coupe.

The current-generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo coupe debuted in 2000 with more distinctive styling and updated underpinnings from the Impala sedan to better meet the needs of today's buyers. Significant changes in 2006 helped the Monte Carlo come nearly full circle back to its original mission with sportier chassis tuning, improved driving dynamics and more power in SS models, while freshened interior and exterior styling offer a sculpted and pleasing contemporary appearance. In spite of those updates, sales remained sluggish and the Monte Carlo was gone after the 2007 model year.

Although much improved in its latter years -- including a return to available V8 power in SS trim -- we feel that other performance sport coupe competitors like the Mustang offer a more satisfying choice as long as you don't mind giving up some interior room. In reviews, our editors felt that the Monte Carlo was primarily a comfortable cruiser more at home in the fast lane than on twisty mountain roads. If the latter is your preferred driving environment, you may want to consider other brighter, more focused alternatives.

Most Recent Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo received a major update for the 2006 model year and it remained a midsize two-door coupe that came in three trim levels: the base but reasonably well-equipped LS, the more upscale LT and the performance-oriented SS. Under the hood of LS and LT models is a 3.5-liter V6 with 211 horsepower, while the SS boasts a responsive 5.3-liter V8 with 303 hp. Impressive numbers, yes. But they would've been even better if they powered the rear wheels like Monte Carlos of years ago, especially in the case of the SS. A front-engine/rear-drive layout is typically preferable for optimum weight distribution and balanced handling, especially when the engine is a heavy V8.

Overall, this version of the Chevy Monte Carlo, which only lasted through '07, was a spacious sport coupe that offered buyers a reasonably good comfort/performance trade-off for a relatively low sticker price. Although quick in a straight line, the V8-equipped Monte Carlo SS suffers from a nose-heavy feel. If quick reflexes are on your wish list instead and you don't mind tighter passenger quarters, we suggest you consider a smaller but more nimble sport coupe, such as an Acura RSX or Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Past Chevrolet Monte Carlo Models

Used-car shoppers interested in a late-model Monte Carlo will likely encounter the previous-generation model, which was available from the 2000-'05 model years. Based on the then-new Impala platform and wearing fresh, distinctive (some said ugly) sheet metal with heritage styling cues, the Monte Carlo was originally offered as an LS with a 3.4-liter V6 engine making 180 hp, or an SS with a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. A driver side airbag -- as well as traction control and OnStar on SS models -- was added as standard safety equipment in 2001, and all models received four-wheel disc brakes, traction control and remote keyless entry in 2003. In a bid to boost its performance image, Chevrolet added a 240-hp supercharged engine option for the SS in 2004.

Previous to this model, there was the Lumina-based Monte Carlo, which became available for the 1995 model year in LS or Z34 sport trim levels. Those wishing to hit the fast lane are advised to stick with the 210-hp 3.4-liter twincam V6 in the Z34. Detail improvements carried the Monte Carlo through the next several years, though only the most eagle-eyed used-car shoppers are likely to appreciate the differences.

User Reviews:

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  Sweet! - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By ToddP - October 13 - 9:06 pm

  Bought the car new and have never regretted it, even with the baby. Roomy and fun to drive. Chevrolet improved it a year later by adding a V8 option Only change I would make is that.

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  Monte Carlo! - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By blake - October 10 - 8:03 pm

  i have had this monte for 2 years and I put a lot of work into it. I upgraded some parts to performance. air intake, rims, tinted windows, performance chip, painted calipers. Chevy is easy to handle, maintain, easy to replace everything. I get about 17 gallons per gallons tho, and its bad since the gas prices are right now!

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  MY LIMITED EDITION MONTE CARLO SS - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By CCLCRAZY56 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE A 2003 LIMITED EDITION PACE CAR MONTE # 767 OUT OF 1401. IT IS MIDNIGHT BLUE WITH SILVER FLAGS ON THE SIDE AND RED "TAZ" ON THE SIDE AND BACK. i HAVE HAD ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR MECHANCIALLY. I HAVE TINTED THE WINDOWS, PUT AN AWESOME EXHAUST SYSTEM ON IT BUT OTHER THAN THAT NO WORK HAS BEEN DONE. I CONSISTANTLY GET 30 MPG IN THIS CAR. AS MUCH AS I WOULD HATE TO GET RID OF THIS CAR I AM LOOKING AT THE 2004 SUPERCHARGED MONTE CARLO SS. LOOKING -- MIND YOU..

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  A Sweet Ride, My Monte - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By sleestak - October 10 - 1:40 am

  This car gets looks everywhere I go. Very big trunk. Nice stereo. Power everything. Lots of car for the money.

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  Shoud have been better - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By galoot - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The spark plug wires started going bad at about 20K miles. At about 40K and 5 trips to the shop they were all replaced. After a recall notice i waited for another 1 to go bad. So i had the dealership replace all 6 wires. After going in 6 times chevy has replaced all the wires twice. It didnt cost anything but, after 6 trips i got pissed off. If you have to pay to have the wires replaced on the Z34 it costs a lot because they have to take the intake off to get to the back 3 wires. Another problem is the alterator. It went bad at 51K and agian at 104K. It is under the engine. So it gets hit with dirt and goes bad. Only a shop can replace it. The engine has to be lowed to replace it.

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  Very Poor Resale Value!!! - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By dissapointed - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Overal it is not a bad car. It has power to move, and the interior is laid out nice. However, I have had to have the rotars on this car replaced 3 times so far (that is front and back). I have had the pad replaced probably about 5 times (also front and back). My major beef is how can a car that I purchased brand new in 98 for about 22K be appraised for 4.5K only 3 yeras later..? Yes I do put excesive millage on the car, however I keep it in immaculate condition (inside and out). The turing radius on this car is very poor at best. The paint job scratches and dents very easily.

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  Excellent fuel mileage - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Kenny in NM - October 6 - 10:10 am

  Bought in 2003 with 17,000 Miles. Replaced CV joints at 70K. New Plugs wires at 100K. Just drove from NM to AL and back for vacation and got 32 MPG on first tank of fuel (Night-time Driving With a/c off). Averaged 25.7 MPG for the total 3068 miles driven.

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  Not sure on this one.. - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By lindzabu - October 2 - 8:16 pm

  I bought an 06 Monte Carlo LT about a year ago. I loved it when I first bought it, but later Im starting to double think this car. The shifter button sticks, thus causing the key not to come out of the ignition at times..Had to replace my Power Steering already, AND Im starting to have transmission problems...Its sad, and the parts are so expensive! It looks cool, however. And I love the power it shoots out for a V6. I wouldnt recommend this vehicle to anyone with toddlers, or infants. Its hard to get in and out of the backseat. Ive owned this for a year, and Im selling it for something more reliable.

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  My Monte SS - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Pierre Blais - October 2 - 11:33 am

  First of all I picked the Monte Carlo SS because I love driving and around my area there are many winding country roads which makes this car a lot of fun to drive. Softer suspensions are no fun at all on these kinds of roads. The power of this car makes it easy to to pass slower moving traffic and is also quite economical on highways. Even though I am 59 I feel 30 driving this car. It is very comfortable when driving on highways or other smooth road surfaces.I usually change cars every 4 years but I will be keeping this one much longer. This is my best and most fun to drive car Ive ever had. Quite a switch from 2 Malibus in a row to this car.

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  Dale Jr signature series - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Donnamaria56 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  best car we have had!!!!!its a beauty!!!